By mishw on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - 06:01 pm:

Hi All,
I am a long term eczema sufferr, now 38. I have had atopic eczema since birth with varying degrees of severity- most severe in teenage to 20s. I have tried LOADS of different treatment from chinese herbs to food diets- which havent worked for me .


Reading your experience Yuje, sometimes its good to see a new dermatologist and not see the same old one- the new ones might be more up to date with new research. also
You could try being refered to Chelsea Westminster hospital , they have one program their to do with skin and scratching management for long term adult eczema sufferers, that really sorted me out 10years ago, when I was in dire dire, depression, and the steroids not working. at that time I was prescribed new drug - tacrolimus, and immunosuppressnat, this really worked for me as well as the new moisturiser regime. Atarax has been amazing antihistimine for getting me to sleep
My eczmea is now somewhat manageable compared to 10years ago
I recently saw my dermatologist today, having not been back for several years, for the odd flareup and have now been told that I have been using the steroids on the rest of my body for too long ( easy bruising), So will be now trying out ciclosporin- another immunosuppresant.apparently it works for some people but not all. Anyone out there with experience using ciclosporin?

By chialing on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 - 05:16 pm:

Hi All !

I have atopic eczema since 10 when i migrated to singapore from taiwan. It worsen when i got older. Steriod creams and medicine didn't help me much because it worsens again when i stop the medication.

Until last year 2007 i ate this health product tablets made from chlorella.The company WBG said by taking this supplement,my condition will worsen but i will get well if i continue to endure the process and continue to eat their product.

Mine got worsen and inflammation.I shed skin like crazy and have to sweep the floor everyday because my flakes on the floor is like sand.My feet and body started to swell and there were wounds which are raw. Fluids came out of the wounds and my whole body was reddish.

My skin condition previously wasnt this severe before these. It was only my stomach area, some parts of my arms and legs.

I stopped taking it after 3 months.

I was suffering so much and wanted to die.
I didn't attend school for a year and stayed at home without going out for half a year.It was as if I was locked in jail.


This year 2008 i started taking steriods again because it didnt heal. It got slightly better but i started to have side effects like moon face and i still itch when i stopped steriods.

My mum was reading a book translated into chinese by Doctor Niwa(¤¦¦ÐÂå¥Í) from Japan.Chinese is called ¥¿½T»{ÃѲ§¦ì©Ê¥Ö½§ª¢.

My dad and i went to the hospital in Japan near Kochi for two weeks. It is at ¥|°ê.
It is a very country side of japan where there is no shopping malls or fast food restaurants there. The air is not polluted and it is very clean.

The doctor gave me a list of food items which i cannot eat. Like meat and butter, etc.
However i can still eat seafood ,fish and wheat.etc.

Surprisingly my skin improved imediately within the first 10 days! I was almost in tears when i no longer feel pain when im in the shower. I didn't see blood in my fingers or on my bedsheet.

I ate Dr Niwa's medicine called SOD and taste tea and anti itching. The first few days i had anti bioticsthrough needles.

Morning i'll go for Stone bath which said to remove toxic from my body and perspire. After two times of stone bath i'll go for their cream treatment which requires wrapping my whole body.

The nurse apply their medicated cream on my affected area which is my whole body. Then they wrapped my whole body with bandage like a mummy (haha!). The next morning i will take a shower and wash off the cream.

Initially the cream stuck on my skin and couldnt scrub it off no matter how much i tried to. However after 7 days i started to see the effect.
My face was initially red and dry. After 7 days my face became normal skin, not itchy and dry.
It was like i shed the outermost of my skin.

A long distance friend at taiwan also went for this treatment for two weeks two years ago.His condition ( worse than mine) improved almost instantly after staying at the hospital under their treatment. He bought back 1 year worth of medicine back to taiwan and didn't get any side effects from it.

I just came back to singapore and bought half a year worth of medicine back. I have got to attend school and thus i couldnt stay longer. My arms,face,body and hands improved and dont itch already. Now it's left with my legs only.
Still in the process of recovering if i continue to apply their ointment.

i have more infomation about the hospital and treatments.You can get me at chialing_tsou@hotmail.com

I really want all of the atopic eczema sufferers to know about this treatment.
It is a painless treatment although it takes some effort like able to resist eating meat, etc.

During my stay at the hospital, the other japanese patients there are so friendly and nice.
I havent felt so much kindness from strangers before. Everyone was so so nice to me.

I hope anyone here who is still suffering from this skin problem will contact me so that i can share with u more about my experience.

I want to thank God for letting me know about this treatment. Thank Him for answering my prayers.

contact me at chialing_tsou@hotmail.com
i reside in singapore right now.

chialing

By Carl on Sunday, November 05, 2006 - 06:03 pm:

Hi Everyone,

I have just discovered this site after doing some research on cyclosporin.
I have had eczema my whole life really, which gets much worse in the winter. I have tried pretty much everything, steroid creams, moisturisers, various diets, chinese herbs even acupuncture. I used chinese herbs for 2 years and acupuncture for 3 years, all these seemed to do was cost me money, they didnt even touch my eczema.
My eczema is widespread and very dry, particluarly on my face and particularly in the winter, my routine consists of using a rough towel to exfoliate most mornings, not good for my skin in the long term im sure.
So at 28 i paid to see a bupa specialist, after nhs specialists didnt seem to have the time to examine me properly and all i got was that i was alergic to house dust mite. The specialist has just prescibed me cyclosporin,thankfully through the nhs and at the time of writing im on my first day, so fingers crossed.
I have read everyones comments and know this is not a long term cure but some immediate respite is welcome. Im also concerned about the side effects, the leaflet with the tablets makes scary reading. I would like to hear from people who have or are using cyclosporin. I did post this on the treatment board but it looks at though it isnt used very often
Apoligises for the long post but hope you can help!
Cheers Carl

By Paramjit on Monday, October 16, 2006 - 10:45 am:

Hi there Lin hope you are well and smiling i have had eczema for 20 years most of it has gone i have it on my face but since using this oil it has cleared up my complexion i have been using it for three weeks now i need to use it for 2 months for my face it wont make you itch i recommend bio-oil you can buy it from the pharmacy it costs £8.95 it is expensive the bottle will last you 6 weeks try it it treats scars blemishes uneven skin tone i use it twice a day for my facial blemishes and uneven skin tone it will not irritate your skin it contains purcellin oil which is excellent for the skin believe me it works go to google and type in bio-oil i can understand how you feel about your face i know its difficult if people look at you differently or make judgements about you then they need help and are silly remember you are only human no one in this world is 100% perfect you are more special remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder lin please go out with your friends and enjoy your life you have friends that care for you i used to stay indoors and hide because of my apperance too now i dont care what other people think of me my apperance has improved i love life and enjoy it with my closest friends and am more confident and outgoing go out for a meal go shopping or watch a movie have a makeover when you start doing this you will definetly feel more happy and positive remember you have christmas to look forward to and the new year you take care lin lifes too short.KEEP SMILING! Paramjit.

By WHEATFREECURED on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 03:33 pm:

Lin...
If this is only the first year of your ezcema... please check the celiac sites.. google CELIAC
do you have any digestive problems ? Check your diet... do you eat alot of breads.. pasta...anything with white flour....YOU MAY HAVE CELIAC DISEASE... WHICH ... IS NOT A BAD THING .. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS STOP EATING WHEAT AND YOUR SKIN WILL RECOVER... PLEASE READ WHAT YOU CAN ON THIS... IT MAYBE YOUR ANSWER... IT IS THE ROOT OF MANY CONDITIONS.

A List of Diseases/Disorders Probably Associated With Celiac Disease
Copyright © 1995-2006
Scott Adams.
• Addison's Disease
• Alopecia
• Anxiety and Depression
• Ataxia
• Attention Deficit Disorder / ADHD
• Autism and Celiac Disease
• Autoimmune Hepatitis / Chronic Active Hepatitis
• Bird Fancieris Lung
• Brain White-Matter Lesions
• Cerebellar Atrophy
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME, PVS, post viral fatigue syndrome or PVFS)
• Crohn's Disease
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Dental-Enamel Hypoplasia
• Dyspepsia
• Epilepsy (with or without cerebral calcification)
• Farmeris Lung
• Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease
• Fibrosing Alveolitis
• Follicular Keratosis
• Gall Bladder Disease
• Gastroparesis
• Head Aches (Migraine)
• IBD - Irritable Bowel Disease
• Impotency
• Infertility
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Lung Cavities
• Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Pancreatic Disorders / Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Polymyositis
• Polyneuropathy
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
• Pulmonary Hemosiderosis
• Recurrent Pericarditis
• Sarcoidosis
• Schizophrenia / Mental Problems and Celiac Disease
• Scleroderma
• Short Stature, Delayed Puberty
• Small-Intestinal Adenocarcinomas
• Spontaneous Abortion and Fetal Growth Retardation
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Thrombocytosis (Hyposplenism)
• Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Vasculitis
• Vitamin K Deficiency

By LIN on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 05:54 am:

I'M LIN
I SUFFER ECZEMA ALMOST ONE YEAR. IT IS EMBERASSING COZ IT'S OCCURED ON MY FACE. I REALLY MISSED THE WAY I LOOKED BEFORE. I HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT CREAMS (dermovate cream, aqueous cream, etc). I WANT TO CONTINUE ALL THE GREAT TIME I HAVE ENJOYED WITH MY FRIENDS BUT SINCE I HAD ECZEMA I DON'T HAVE FAITH AND STRENGTH TO MIX WITH PEOPLES FACE TO FACE.

By Darkness Falls on Sunday, February 27, 2005 - 07:00 pm:

Hi Rak,

I think I remember you when I was regular here (Got to that unaviodable "depressive stage" where I hated everything and shut myself off from the outside world, hence my lack of communication with the one place where people could understand me best of all).

How have you been? More importantly, hows the E?
Mine comes and goes too - although it looks pretty intent on "staying" despite my numerous efforts to get it to go!

I'm with you on the Simpsons! LOL

By lilthyme on Friday, December 24, 2004 - 05:44 am:

Merry Christmas from the deep South. Let's see, it was 67 degrees two days ago, and it is going to be 19 degrees tomorrow morning. It looks like the entire week will be like this, so needless to say I will an itching wreck all week. ( LOOOVE southern winters).
Here is a new Christmas memory. I had friends over tonite for an open house. Just before everyone started arriving I was swishing around the place spraying some cinnamon spray. OPPS, blew back on my eczema face........this rest is a total Kodak moment.

Merry Christmas all!
lilthyme

By rak on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 10:56 pm:

but equally i'm a family guy myself!...
LOL

By rak on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 10:53 pm:

yeah.. i'm on the itchy and scratchy boat allright, back and forh everyday. but hey! you gota love the simpsons. LOL

By everynamestaken on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 10:47 pm:

HI Rak, I think we have messaged before, I remember your name. I live in the states and have eczema all over, so I know what boat you mean! LOL. Been better lately, but I have had it where I have been covered and it's been awful. Maybe one day we all won't itch and scratch to pieces. Hope to hear from you again.

By Rak on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 10:36 pm:

hi.
erm, not sure what to write here, so i guess a hi is on order, so hi everyone!
my name's rak, i suffer from eczema, it comes and goes (wish it would go though).
I've had ups and downs with it, but for the most part try to live life to the max.
hope to hear from others in the same boat as me...

By fizzy on Saturday, November 01, 2003 - 09:14 pm:

I have recently been diagnosed as having pomphlyx on my feet. i ti s driving me mad at night !!! It seems to be spreading quite quickly to around my ankles. my doctor does not really seem concerned and just keeps perscribing one steroid cream after another which do not seem to work for me.

Can anyone suggest anthing PLEASE!!!!

By Anon45 on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 10:36 pm:

Hi,

can someone PLEASE help me?
Recently I have been getting really bad coldsores on various parts of my face. They are usually really big, last for days (sometimes upto two weeks) and are VERY unsightly! Its really getting me down and all I want to do is lock myself in the house.

Why do I get so many of them, why are they so large, why do they last for so long and how can I prevent them from reocurring?
Any help or advice you may have will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

By Nadia on Sunday, August 17, 2003 - 08:21 pm:

Hi everyone! I am 18 yrs old and I'm about to start college on saturday. I have had eczema since the summer of my freshman year of high school. I haven't worn anything but pants to cover it. It is mostly on my legs. Even during p.e. uniforms for gym were given out and they were shorts. So I talked to my teacher and she let me wear pants. I was in volleyball and track during junior high school and 9th grade. I loved it too. But I was just very unconcious about what everyone at school would say. So I quit those sports. My parents stop taking me to my dermatologist because the bills got very exspensive and our insurance would not pay for any of it. So my mother would just buy me cream over the counter. It has got a lot better but hasn't gone away yet. I just wondered if it is actually curable and if it will go away. I really wish to wear shorts and skirts especially in the summer because it is so hot. My boyfriend tries to talk me into it but I won't. He is very supportive and tries to make me feel better be telling me that my legs are beautiful. But I know better. Well anyways, I wanted to ask if anyone would like to give my some helpful tips for the crazy itchiness and how to deal with it. I never talked to anyone else who has this because no one I know have came across this or know someone that has. It starts to heal up good then I would get really stressed and it goes crazy. I also have strecth marks on my legs because I gained about twenty pounds during the summer when I got it and I also wanted to know what I can do to help rid of this too. Thank you for reading my story and I would really appreciate your help. Take care!

By Andrew on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 05:18 am:

Admittedly I have not had as bad as eczema as I have just read. But I have had it since I was a child. I am 40 now. I recenty discovered meditation- and my eczema is almost gone- gone from my fingers, toes elbows, knees, scalp. Stress it seems is a real big factor to my condition. I have been reading alot about the physical and technical on this website but the emotional triggers are very real too. I am an easily stressed person, I just never realized it until my eczema got so bad I had to pay more attention to myself. First I thought it was a "skin" condition that could be remedied with lotions etc. Then I notcied it acted up after several days of stress. Not right away but several days later. I quit my job because of stress, and I drink alot more water now. I also do put aloe vera on my skin when it starts to act up. However I have noticed that stress is the big trigger, and mental relaxation thru meditation as worked very well. Depression and stress I believe can easily cause an imune system reaction or other physical condtion that my body expresses thru eczema. It is not easy for me to meditate but the calming and relaxation have helped. But Ultimately I had to eliminate as much as possible the stress causing conditions. I'd be happy to discuss my meditiation technique with anyone who wants to know. I also want to hear if others have had similar experiences.
Andrew M.

By yuje on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 02:04 am:

Skip this post if you can't stand long messages, I can't seem to cut this down...sorry.

I've had eczema for about 11 years now, and I'm 20 years old. It started out...very bad.

I lived in Brunei, on the equator for the first part of my life. Generally warm to hot, humid weather. Average late 20s to

early 30s (degrees Celsius). By the time I was 10, a good third of both my arms were covered in itchy, scaly patches, same

as for the back of one hand, as well as the next-to-the-sideburn edge of both ears. I ended up getting used to

Hydrocortisone and Betnovate gels, which were both steroids and were quite effective after a few weeks. It eased up, and the

arms themselves seemed to retain moisture again, if a little darker-shaded due to the steroids.

The next year I moved to Australia, where the weather actually changed much more dramatically according to the season, but

for some reason, the first few years seemed ok - I only needed moisturiser to keep the eczema at bay. I went to school as

per any other kid.

But.

By the time I was 12 I had a pimple problem. A really, really bad pimple problem. My face was full of blackheads,

whiteheads and acne scars- it was hideous. It started out ugly and only got worse through the years. During summer it was

in full outbreak mode, maybe 15 new zits a day, every day during the later years (accumulative, so if I didn't pop any, by

the end of the week I was a freak) although in winter - the driest season of the year - it calmed down, sometimes to one or

two a day.

After going through all the common, natural and Clearasil methods of getting rid of zits to no avail - and this is the crux

of the matter - I was prescribed Roaccutane. The Big Dry.

After 3 months of use (I was 16 and a half by now) my zits disappeared. We scheduled it in winter to double the effect. In

the following summer, they were gone, and only ever came back occasionally - I was pleased with the results of that. The

acne scars faded over time too

Unfortunately it was going to affect my eczema.

When I was 17 (the first summer after Roaccutane) it began to get worse. Started spreading all over the reverse of my knees,

and the arm-itches were waking up and. Nothing worked, except a new steroid prescription - Celestone. It calmed down.

Unfortunately by now my steroid blasted skin was so thin, anything that scratched it only moderately, cut it, bled it. So I

had to extra careful around knocking into things, as I bled by default, nevermind if it was a door edge or a table.

At 19 I had a bit of ringworm on my foot, and applied the recommended medicine, and it disappeared. The skin was left darker

than normal, which was odd, but not worrying at the time. A month later, it became dry, itchy and scaly...just like the rest

of my skin had done before. It also was the first area to harden naturally - I was sick of steroids by now, I wanted to give

my body a break, maybe it'd give some durability to my body if I let it "breathe". The foot scales hardened to a point where

it affected movement of my toes, so I relented, and the steroid softened the skin and removed the scales - but they came back

a couple of days after I stopped treatment, which never happened before.

Nearly another couple of years passed and I got a position as an 18-month trainee in IT, in an air conditioned environment.

Dry, and because of my duties I didn't move as much as I used to.

Guess what?

The eczema spread like wildfire, but only in moderate strength, though the itchiness at night is horrible. Half of my right

foot is now red and itchy - am using Resolve Plus on that to give some mild relief - and weeps very, very easily if I run, or

if I walk for a long distance. The back of my legs are kaput, always bleeding in the morning because I scratch in my sleep,

with or without Phernergen (sleep-inducing anti-histamine), crusted over and sore and PAINFUL IN CONTACT WITH LONG PANTS -

which is what I'm required to wear for work. The rest of my legs are now red and itchy, though no scalyness is apparent, but

it too gets scratched a lot, my bed is a minefield of skin...ugh. My arms are as a bad as before, now my right wrist is

covered and is a major weeper - workmates think I slash myself because it's patched up so often. The middle of my right ring

finger is also stuffed - weeps, crusts over, itches...

I can't run without pain, I can't wear trousers while walking without gritting my teeth, I fear sleep because I keep waking up seeing my bed covered in dried blood and skin, whilst my own body is bleeding everywhere or weeping, and stings when I bend my libs - the pain is equivalent to twisting your head full circle, or at least attempting to. Washing it in water stings, alcohol stings, thank goodness QV doesn't. I'd be dead.

I fall into depression quite easily, I don't head out to social events where I'm supposed to move the limbs a lot - dances, clubs and anywhere all my friends frequent. The sun burns my skin to a crisp and the winter dries it up. In fact, I think the moment my body develops a new dried area - they eat up QV cream every hour, which i cannot always put on - it stays; becomes a permanent feature.

I'm heading out to see a doctor again in a couple of weeks, and I'll probably be reffered to the same skin specialist again.

Personally, I'd be happy if I could have the tips of my fingers surgically removed. It's bad when eczema makes you itchy and dry, but it's heartbreaking knowing you yourself is causing the bleeding and the weeping every waking morning of your life. I now dread winter, summer, the sun, salt water and long pants. I used to play volleyball, and now I can't even use my arms or run.

It's been a pain for so very long...and I'm sick of it

By Anonymous on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 01:59 pm:

hi anonymous.

I've had the same problem in the past; on my face neck ears and so on....

I read that evening primrose oil helps. I bought a bottle (in liquid form, made by a company called health aid), and after a trial test on a small part of my forehead to test for any allergic reactions, i noticed that my skin seemed smoother. I then began to apply it all over my face, in the morning and at night before i went to sleep. I must say it has helped alot. My eczema is still there, however my skin seems a lot smoother, less bumpy and overall a lot better. I think the oil helps aid the skin in regenerating, and thats a good thing. Its a different approach, and it may not work for everyone, but you can only try.. Please do give it a try..
Also look into omega oil, flaxseed oil.. I have just started to take the capsules and so far no bad reaction...

You gota keep positive, and i know comming from someone else its easy to say, but do try.

I know what you are going through, i've been there myself, so sweetheart hang in there and i'm sure it will get better..

p.s when i feel down, i listen to music. makes me feel better..
keep smiling ok.. and stay in touch.

By andy on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 08:09 pm:

hi anonymous,i know only too well how having eczema in the most visible parts of your body like your face can make you feel,i`ve suffered from facial e since my late teens and been through so many bad times when i could hardly look myself in the mirror no matter anyone else,i always hung onto the hope that better days would come along and in the end they did,it`s so hard sometimes when your skin is bad but we just have keep hoping that these better days come,this is an excellent site anon and we are all here to help each other,you are not alone.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 09:17 am:

I am a 30 female, I have lots of problems this illness, my face, hands and ears are suffering from it, and the doctor gave me reactan,
I do not know what to do any more, please help me,

By Tim on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 01:32 am:

Marianne,
I also suffer from very dry itchy eyelids. I have tried the cortisone creams, vaseline, lotions and none seemed to work for me. Somoeone suggested Vitamin E so I tried it. That seems to help me, although, I must re-apply it every few hours. I extract the vitamin E solution from the capsule and apply it directly to my eyelids with a Q-tip. I know all remedies don't work for everyone, but this seems to work for my eyelids. Good luck...I hope this works for you also.

By Sarah on Sunday, February 03, 2002 - 07:43 pm:

Hi

Elaine - I too prefer Diprobase rather than Aqueous Cream. I used Aqueous for many years and then my GP thought I may have been allergic to it and went back on to Diprobase - ive tried both the cream and the ointment and prefer the cream in the tub as well as the tube - handy when goint out.

Marianne - I also have had eczema on my eyelids - very dry and flaky and it looked awful. I had it all over my face last summer and my GP prescribed hydrocortisione 2.5%. I did not use this high strength I used either 0.5% or 1% - I think 2.5% is just too strong for the face. Hope this is helpful

Take Care everyone

Sarah

By Elaine on Sunday, February 03, 2002 - 05:04 pm:

Marianne - i know that hydrocortisone doesn't always help because it dries the skin. You can either ask your doctor for the ointment (which is a bit like Vaseline consistency) or use something like Diprobase as well as the steroid. Diprobase just hydrates the skin and is (in my opinion) much better than Aqueous Cream.

By Marianne on Saturday, November 03, 2001 - 10:31 am:

Hi All,

I have, in the last three years, suffered from Eczema on my eye-lids. At first, I thought it was an allergic reaction to my make-up, but it still reoccurs without makeup. It has also become worse, and my eyes are looking terrible! I do not want to use the Cortisone cream my doctor has prescribed me, as the soothing is minimal and leaves my eyes looking flaky. As this is such a delicate area, I was wondering if you readers had any advice to give me on an alternative??!! Any suggestions welcome!

By koff on Saturday, August 11, 2001 - 04:10 pm:

Hi, This is the first time I've used something like this so I'm sorry if this turns out abit of a muddle. I've had ezcema all my life and its all over my body(someparts worst than others, especially my legs). Anyway up too now I've been reluctantly using cream to make it better but due to my utter dislike of the creams I have used over the years my skin has got gradually worse. But I have gone down a new avenue which is Hypnotherapy. Haven found a good Registered hypnotherapist he has changed my attitude towards the cream and I am now using the cream frequently.My confidence is still low but seeing my skin improve has given me some hope. If there are any other people in similar situations then I would like to hear your views and experiences.

By Giles on Friday, May 11, 2001 - 02:38 pm:

Hi Ashes,
I don't know of I have the same diagnosis as you but last year I had took matters into my own hands after my eczema returned with avengence following a lull of a decade and went to seera dermotologist.
His speciality was UV-B allergies and seeing that all the exposed sites on my body were exzemous he got quite excited at this prime specimen sitting before him! I had a number of light tests with UV-B wavelengths and there quickly followed a diagnosis of high UV-B sensitivity. It was interesting as I've always had an inate sense to withdraw from strong summer light.

Giles

By Giles on Friday, May 11, 2001 - 02:38 pm:

Hi Ashes,
I don't know of I have the same diagnosis as you but last year I had took matters into my own hands after my eczema returned with avengence following a lull of a decade and went to seera dermotologist.
His speciality was UV-B allergies and seeing that all the exposed sites on my body were exzemous he got quite excited at this prime specimen sitting before him! I had a number of light tests with UV-B wavelengths and there quickly followed a diagnosis of high UV-B sensitivity. It was interesting as I've always had an inate sense to withdraw from strong summer light.

Giles

By ashes on Sunday, April 22, 2001 - 07:38 pm:

i have had eczema since i was 6 years old.ive had all the usual hospital treatment.the doctor told me it was called hutinsons summer perigo.My skin gets worse when im expossed to the sun.I have never met any one with the same trouble which is a shame.im now 37 years old if there is any one out there with this kind of eczema I would love to hear from them.I was told that you are more likely to get eczema if you are the third child,im the third child in our family.I think we are at the bottom of the gean pool thats maybe why we have it

By Anonymous on Saturday, April 21, 2001 - 08:06 am:

Hi Sue,
I think you've made an excellent point!
IMHO the profile of people with eczema should be a LOT higher, simply because it affects so many people. I think part of the blame goes to charities who are supposed to raise awareness. I know they do a great job on limited budgets but when you think that eczema affects 1 in 10 of the population, the membership of these charities is pitifully small.
Ultimately these organisations carry the torch for all of us and to be honest the torch isn't exactly blazing!
Now for something constructive: Why don't we all try to do something for the eczema charity in our country - they sure could use the help?

Regards

anonymous coward

By Sue on Friday, April 20, 2001 - 10:46 am:

Hi to all, I'm a 30 yr old women who has suffered from eczema/asthma all my life. I am adopted so family history is kinda known to me through meetings and so on.
It seems to be everywhere these days people who suffer from similar conditions, just when you think your the only one!!
I have three children of which did not get any eczema thank goodness but I wonder why?
My conversation to you all is (maybe a little selfish of me), why doesn't the government support us more I mean why isn't atopic derm. not considered an illness? How many times have we not been able to work or get up to the kids during the night because we are too drugged or are in hospital etc.

I was put on Imuran of which I gained quality of life (my choice). Then of course as we all do i had to come off it for "the break", however after my third child I went badly down hill and was put back on Imuran of which doesn't work anymore for me. Hard call as to what to do next aye! Anyway I'll coping as we do with all the old treatments and bandages etc. Not working that well but as I always say theres always someone worse off.

My issue I guess at present is that all the time off work who should pay? Can anyone relate to this? We pay for our medical insurance etc, we pay the GP's bills and dermatologists. I find it really hard going and frustrating that we aren't more recognised as Eczema sufferers.

Regards to all

By Harpercat on Thursday, April 19, 2001 - 05:29 pm:

Hi Anon,
Try putting some porridge oats in an old stocking or leg of a pair of tights, or a piece of muslin, and place it under the running tap when you have a bath. The water will be milky, and it's the most soothing way I know of coping with itchy skin. If you can have the bath just lukewarm and stay in it for about 15 minutes you should feel a real benefit.
Hope this helps!

By Anonymous on Wednesday, April 18, 2001 - 11:29 am:

Hi Anon,
diet and surroundings the same so I guess stress has to be the smoking gun, no?
Perhaps things are getting a bit hectic at home/work?
Just a thought. Good luck with the GP, you'll almost certainly come back with some kind of cortisone.

all the best

another anon

By Anonymous on Tuesday, April 17, 2001 - 11:31 pm:

I think I have just got Eczema, aged 30! I do not know where it came from although I have always had relatively sensitive skin. My diet hasn't changed, nor my surroundings. The only thing I can think of is that the rash 1st appeared on my stomach, where my gym kit elastic fits around my waist, this would then cause sweating there and irritation. But why should it spread from the affected area? I have not been to the gym since, but it has still got worse and now covers my torso. I am off to my GP tomorrow, and hopefully I can get this under control! It's driving me crazy!!

By Debbie on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 09:37 pm:

I developed eczema at the age of 49 a month after starting to use hrt patches. My doctor and consultant said this was coincidence and my varicose veins were to blame. But I've had varicose veins for 15 years. For a year I have suffered from eczema that has got worse and worse. I decided a month ago to stop hrt off my own bat. I have also stopped drinking red wine - I am so desperate to be shot of this condition that makes me feel like a leper that I am excluding anything that may be the trigger. Have any other women experienced this onset of eczema so late in life and what are your conclusions?

By SarahE on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 06:40 pm:

hello out there I am 35 year old mother of two who never had eczema in her life until her first child was three months old! I had about 18 months of clear skin between children and my 2nd is now 6 months old and had bad skin of varying degrees since her conception! I was hospitalised twice during the original bout as I was in living Malta and was originally dmisdiagnosed with scabies...! Exfoliative dermatitis occurred and I was rushed to hospital - anyone else had that? Not fun - I only found out after how dangerous it is - no wonder I felt so ill. Now I'm just fed up as I go between eczema and urticaria constantly with antibiotics in between everything else - the hives are on my face and I'm trying to avoid self pity but why me and did anyone else discover the joys of scratching till they bleed in adulthood or are you all veterans from an early age?!

By Anonymous on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 08:11 am:

hi,

i need some help, from anyone who could help me...i am 22 years old and i just start getting eczema symptoms..well what i wanted to know is if there are other skin conditions that may be mistaken for eczema, its not that itchy, but really dry, and and my skin feels rough, and its only on my face. a week before my "flare up" i got hives and then a week later , well just last night, i got what looks like bumps allover my face and its sooo dry, if anyone could email me about this i would gladly appreciate it, thanks

By Deborah on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 06:41 am:

My eczema hit me after a few months spent driving tractors on a farm and using pesticides and herbicides the whole time. I developed asthma a few years beforehand and this also has worsened since my exposure now that I end up in hospital each winter with attacks. I really want to get these chemicals out of my system, but I know they are heavy and complex. I feel that until I do this, I am only treating the symtoms. I have recently turned vegan in an attempt to clean my system, but does anyone know of anything more I can do to effectively remove these toxins?

By Anonymous on Sunday, September 02, 2001 - 08:10 pm:

After 10 years of suffering with pomphlyx ezcema and using endless steroid creams etc. , a friend recommended a Chinese Herbalist. I had always found my GP to say "cut out dairy products" and palm me off with a prescription. However, the herbalist really goes in depth, prescribes herbs just for you and your particular needs and teaches relaxation, as stress is a big cause and trigger. Admittedly, they taste vile, but after a while it is worth it. My friends ezcema has now completely cleared + I look forward to the same!

By Lizzy on Sunday, September 02, 2001 - 11:28 am:

Hi, I don't know whether anyone can advise me but here goes. I always had great skin (yes I know this sounds smug) but after having my daughter at 34 I developed sebhorreic eczema. Does anyone know whether the pre-eclampsia or the c section I had could have triggered this off? It has lessened a little now ( my daughter is 4 and a half) but is still there and sometimes quite bad. I have had several creams/lotions and though they seem to work for a while they stop being so effective. Rather than use steroid creams, I would like to try something more natural. Can anyone advise me?? Thanks

By davinder on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 08:08 pm:

Really pleased to hear your good news.
Keep it up and let us know how you get on.

By jennifer on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 10:16 am:

Madam Smooth - that's such good news! well done!

By Madam Flaky on Monday, January 21, 2002 - 11:34 am:

By Madam Flaky a.k.a. Madam Smoothy! on Monday, January 21, 2002 - 10:46 am:

Hi all!

I'd like to take this oportunity to report that it has been about 6 weeks since a flare up (maybe even more). I can't believe it. My skin is so comfortable to live in now. I never dreamed that it would ever feel this good again. I know a few of you are talking about Prednisolone tablets, and I must say they are only good if you need to go to a wedding or out to dinner and need a quick fix. The moment you stop taking them the old you is back, more often than not with a vengence!

Basically, my advice to absolutely everyone is to stop eating toxic (junk) food, start listening to your bodies. If I am about to eat something naughty, my body will actually say "are you sure that's wise?" and more often than not I will reply "you're right!" and put it down.

Grape seed oil has been an absolute god send to me. I bathe at night now, just before bed, slather on grapeseed oil all over (especially my problem spots) and soak in a warm bath for anywhere between 20 minutes and 2 hours (well, sometimes I fall asleep and when I wake up the water's gone cold!) I then exfoliate, get out and apply a small amount of moisturising cream to maintain it throughout the night and I can sleep for as long as I want without that constant fear of waking up hot, dry, feeling like a snake going through it's annual peel, or worrying about staph.

It took me about 7 months of constant pain, discomfort and associated depression to find what seems to work for me. I now know the immediate steps I need to take if I feel a reaction coming on. Now all I need to do is to start trialing foods to get a normal diet again (I'd kill for a salad sanga!)

I wish everyone success and am proof to you all that you can beat it. I am in control. Eczema is just a 'thing', I am an intelligent human being and will continue to outsmart this terrible affliction. It will never again beat me down!!!

Love and luck to you all

By Simone on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 06:02 pm:

My son is 11 years old, has always had mild eczema, but after a long wet winter here in England, the eczema has just exploded, mostly on his legs. First I tried different emolients - E45 etc, later went to the dr, got steroids, tried horrible Chinese herbs for 4 weeks (small difference; not worth the effort & money), currently use Canestan hidrocortisone for a few days when really bad, showers with Nizoral shampoo (anti fungal), has anti allergy sheet, and uses aloe vera cream to HEAL quicker. Also started taking whey (Bioforce's Molkosan) to neutralise the acidity of the body & assist digestion. Takes additional calcium and aloe vera tabs. Will let you know. Apparently chickweed cream (grows alongside stinging nettles) also soothes. Have heard that borage oil is a good product for eczema, better than others.